Proposed legislation in Brandenburg aims to prohibit driving under the influence of a combination of alcohol and cannabis.
Brandenburg Pushes for Nationwide Ban on Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis and Alcohol
In a bid to enhance road safety, the federal state of Brandenburg has proposed a nationwide initiative to ban driving under the influence of both cannabis and alcohol. This move comes in the wake of the partial legalization of cannabis and the increasing concern over the risk associated with mixed substance use while driving.
Transport Minister Detlef Tabbert (BSW) has been vocal about the issue, stating that mixing these substances is reckless and poses a significant risk to road safety. He points out that the current rules regarding the mixed consumption of alcohol and cannabis are too lenient, a view shared by the insurance industry.
Currently, it is possible to drive while consuming small amounts of both cannabis and alcohol below their respective limits. However, there is a legal limit for the psychoactive substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in drivers, similar to the 0.5% blood alcohol limit. Driving with 3.5 nanograms of THC or more per milliliter of blood can result in a €500 fine and a one-month driving ban.
For new drivers, a zero-tolerance policy for cannabis applies, similar to alcohol. If alcohol has also been consumed, a higher fine may be imposed.
The proposed initiative will be introduced in the Bundesrat on September 26, urging the federal government to review the current THC limit. The federal government has also announced plans to investigate the effects of mixing cannabis with alcohol and conduct an open-ended evaluation of the cannabis legalization policy later this fall.
In 2024, Brandenburg recorded 120 traffic accidents involving cannabis, a 25% increase from the previous year. The number of accidents involving cannabis use is on the rise, according to Minister Tabbert. This increase in accidents has further emphasized the need for stricter regulations.
The federal state of Brandenburg has pursued a change in traffic laws to achieve a general ban on the simultaneous consumption of cannabis and alcohol while driving, with a corresponding federal initiative to be introduced in the Bundesrat for nationwide regulation. This initiative aims to ensure a safer driving environment for all.
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